Two bushwalkers are safe and recovering after a challenging night on the Overland Track at Cradle Mountain, where they were forced to shelter in freezing conditions before being rescued early this morning.
The couple, a husband and wife from Queensland in their mid-30s, had just begun a six-day hike in the Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park when they encountered difficulty on Wednesday evening.
With worsening weather and fatigue setting in, they made the decision to set up camp between Kitchen and Waterfall Valley Huts and activate their Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
A four-person rescue team comprising two Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers and two Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics reached the pair around 3am Thursday.
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Despite efforts to deploy the rescue helicopter, poor weather conditions made aerial access impossible.
Inspector Nikala Parsons from Tasmania Police Search and Rescue said the couple's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation when venturing into Tasmania's wilderness.
"While their equipment was suitable, it was clear they hadn't prepared themselves fully for the demands of the Overland Track," Inspector Parsons said.
"They underestimated the conditions and the effort required to deal with them."
Overnight temperatures dropped to an apparent -6°C with snow showers and strong winds.
One of the hikers was taken to hospital as a precaution after experiencing mild hypothermia.
Inspector Parsons praised the couple's decision to carry a tent and a PLB, both of which proved vital to their safety.
"This incident highlights why carrying a tent is compulsory on the Overland Track," she said.
"And it reinforces the value of a PLB, which allowed us to locate them quickly in very difficult conditions."
The walkout took just over six hours, with both hikers now safe and receiving care.
Tasmania Police urges all bushwalkers to thoroughly prepare for wilderness hikes, including physical conditioning, understanding weather risks, and carrying essential safety equipment.
